How often do you hear about an issue and wish that someone would fight to do something about it?  Let's take the Gay Marriage and Civil Unions issue for example ... there are lots of people and organizations out there fighting that issue on local, state and federal levels ... but are YOU helping out or just waiting for them to get it fixed?  If you believe that LGBT people deserve the same rights as anyone else, then shouldn't you be doing your part to help make that a reality?  This is one of many issues that need your true support ... not just watching the news clips and hoping that "they" can pull it off, but actually getting involved to try and change the hearts and minds of the people around you.

In an astounding victory, last week Iowa's Supreme Court ruled unanimously that the Iowa ban on same-sex marriage was unconstitutional.  If you take the time to actually read the ruling (click here to view a PDF of the actual ruling), you will see an amazing explanation of why the court ruled the way they did.  The court starkly rejected the arguments of the conservative and religious right, stating unequivocally that the Iowa constitution specifically prohibits government from submitting to the will of ANY religious point of view, instead requiring them to look at the issue of whether the issues of equality for all are properly protected.  The ruling also rejects many of the other arguments so common to our opponents claims.  Read the ruling, it's educational and inspiring!

The Iowa Supreme Court ruling didn't "just happen".  It happened because of the tireless efforts of hundreds of individuals and organizations, including (but not limited to) Lambda Legal, to whom we should all be eternally grateful.  But ... that was one battle in a much bigger war and it takes EVERY individual that can to help continue the fight for equality.Don't just sit back watching this play out ... get involved, help out.  Your rights are on the line!!!

What can you do to help?  Well, there's lots of things ... You can join Equality Illinois and Out & About on Wednesday, April 29 in Springfield as we join together to lobby our State legislators in Springfield for HB 2234 - the Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act.  It is completely FREE to participate.  This event is organized and funded by Equality Illinois, who is bringing busloads of people from Chicago to participate.  The day will end with a reception at the Station House Bar, just a couple of blocks from the Statehouse. >> CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS IMPORTANT EVENT.

HB 2234 conveys many of the rights and responsibilities to couples who can not have a civil marriage. Among those rights are the ability to participate in healthcare visitation and decision making for one’s partner, survivor benefits and the right to make disposition decisions about deceased partner’s remains. This legislation is important to gay and lesbian couples, and also to seniors. Too often these relationships are not recognized in crisis situations, and partners are treated as ‘strangers in the eyes of the law’. This is your opportunity to put a face to the cause!

WE NEED YOU ... your friends, your allies, your supporters, your enemies, and anyone else you can bring along.  Every person adds strength to our cause.  Central Illinois should be well represented, every person counts here!

It's easy to make excuses not to go, then get home at the end of the day and check the news to see if everyone who DID participate was successful in their efforts.  I completely understand that everyone can't go, but we are doing all we can to eliminate the obstacles.  I can't get you off work for the day, but if you can get free for the day, we will help to organize carpools to Springfield ... save gas, make some new friends, and support a cause that affects us all!  If you can help drive, or need a ride, please send an e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and we'll try to hook you up with others from your area.

If you haven't seen MILK, see it now ... it's available on Cable, Satellite and all movie rental stores.  If you've already seen it, then see it again.  Get inspired, stop thinking that you can't make a difference ... Harvey Milk could never have made the progress he made alone, he did it by inspiring others to help his "cause", and thousands of people rallied to his support.  Somewhere over the past 30 years, we seem to have lost that sense of purpose and community.  Anita Bryant may be out of the picture now, but many others are trying to take her place.  We need to rally together to demand our rights as humans and individuals!!!

It's time for us all to work together to take a position, take a stand and bring true equality to our community.  It's not easy, and it's not quick, but it takes us ALL to band together and be heard!!  I hope to see you there on April 29.

Dave